Gardeners are being urged to complete one essential task for their spring bulbs before the end of November: moving pots to a sheltered spot and covering them with chicken wire to guard against winter weather and hungry wildlife.
Why green shoots are a good sign
Although late autumn signals a slowdown in the garden, spring bulbs in pots, beds and borders are quietly establishing roots underground. Gardeners may even notice a few short green tips appearing, which is a normal and positive development.
Seeing green tips emerging through the soil is nothing to worry about. In fact, it is a reassuring sign that the bulbs are healthy and settling in well for the season ahead.
How to protect pots and borders
To keep spring bulb pots in the best condition, it is recommended to group them together in a sheltered corner of the garden. This keeps them out of the way of winter's worst weather.
Adding chicken wire netting over pots can also prevent hungry squirrels and other wildlife from digging them up. The same netting can be used to cover spring bulbs planted in beds and borders. The wire should be removed in early spring once the threat of digging has passed.
What happens over winter
Spring bulbs and their green tips and shoots will remain dormant through winter, ready to burst into flower when the days grow longer and warmer in springtime. The sight of these shoots on cold, dark days serves as a reminder that spring is not far away.
